
A corrupted file may not open at all, or it may appear scrambled and unreadable. However, if the wrong information is written into a file, or if the right information is written in the wrong place, it will affect the way the data is used and displayed. When this information is in the right place and arranged properly, the file will work as normal.

In many cases it can be resolved with a simple re-boot of your system, but sometimes the issues are more complex.Įvery file on your computer has a particular structure and content.

Just about everybody has probably had an issue with a corrupted file at some point in time. This can apply to any type of file, from program files to system files and all types of documents. What does it mean if a file is corrupted?Ī corrupted file is one that is damaged, and does not perform properly. There are dozens of reasons why your Windows files or system files might become corrupted, but among the most common are:įortunately, if you find yourself on the receiving end of any of these issues, there are steps you can take to fix them yourself using the System File Checker or the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools that are already pre-installed on your Windows operating system. It could be that you have picked up some malware or a virus, or it could be that some of your systems files are corrupted and so are unable to perform as they should. If your Windows system is running slow or acting strangely, it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing it.

Corrupted Windows Files: What they are and How to Fix Them
